Joint variation is similar to direct variation, but in this case, the dependent variable is equal to product of

more than one independent variable and a constant or proportionality or variation.

Joint Variation

z=kxyk≠0, orz=kxmynm>0, n>0

We say "z varies jointly as x and y." or "z is jointly proportional to x and y."

Example 1

z varies jointly with x and y. If x=3,y=8, and z=6, find the variation equation. Then, find z when x=−2 and
y=10.

Solution: Using the equation when it is solved for k, we have:

k=zxy=63⋅8=14

The equation is z=14xy.

When x=−2 and y=10, then z=14⋅−2⋅10=−5.

This video by Mathispower4u explains joint variation and how to determine the variation constant.
Example 2

The volume of a pyramid varies jointly with the area of the base and the height with a constant of
variation of 13. If the volume is 162 units3 and the area of the base is 81 units2, find the height.

Solution: Find the joint variation equation first.

V=13 Bh

Now, substitute in the area of the base to solve for the height.

1621626=13⋅81⋅h=27 h=h

Example 3

Kinetic energy KE (the energy something possesses due to being in motion) varies jointly with the mass
m (in kilograms) of that object and the square of the velocity v (in meters per seconds)2. The constant of
variation is 12.

a. Write the equation for kinetic energy.

b. If a car is travelling 104 kilometers/hour and weighs 8,800 kg, what is its kinetic energy?
Solution:

a. KE=12 mv2

b. First, we have to convert the km/hr into meters per second.

104 kmhr⋅hr3600 s⋅1000 mkm=0.44 ms

Now, plug this into the equation from part a.

KE=12⋅8800 kg⋅(0.44 ms)2=1955.56 kg⋅m2s2

Typically, the unit of measurement of kinetic energy is called a joule. A joule is kg ⋅m2s2.

Combined Variation

Many situations involve more than one type of variation. Combined variation is a combination of direct,
inverse, and joint variation. For example, the sales of a product may be directly proportional to the
amount of money spent on advertising the product, but inversely proportional to the price of the
product.

Example 5

Write an equation for the given relationships.

a. y varies inversely with the square of x.

b. z varies jointly with x and the square root of y.

c. z varies directly with x and inversely with y.

Solution:

a. y=kx2

b) z=kxy√

c) z=kxy

This video by Barb Koehler explains combined variation.

This video by Joshua Helston shows a real-world example of combined variation.

Summary

Combined variation is a mix of direct and indirect variation.

The joint variation equation is z=kxmyn where k≠0 and m>0,n>0.